The Reddy Memorial Hospital Foundation Distributes Its Funds and Spreads Holiday Cheer

Montreal, December 12, 2005 – Christmas is coming early this year for the Douglas Hospital. The Reddy Memorial Hospital Foundation – established by the Reddy Hospital, which closed in 1997 – is bringing its activities and existence to an end, and making a $155,000 donation to the Douglas. Every dollar will be used to improve the quality of life for patients. The official transfer of funds is taking place this morning at the Douglas Hospital with Verdun MNA and Minister for Online Government, Mr. Henri-François Gautrin, as well as Mr. Édouard Darche, Chair of the Reddy Memorial Hospital Foundation, in attendance.

“We are extremely grateful to the Reddy Memorial Hospital Foundation for this generous donation,” states Douglas Hospital General Director, Jacques Hendlisz. Thanks to this gift, patients at the Douglas will benefit from newly renovated, decorated and air-conditioned activity areas, in addition to modernised bathrooms in their care units. “In the mental health sector, the physical environment is an important part of patient rehabilitation,” emphasises Hendlisz.

“The directors of the Reddy Memorial Hospital Foundation are fully aware of the constantly increasing needs in the health sector, and we are proud to help organisations as performing as the Douglas Hospital implement initiatives which will directly affect their patients’ quality of life,” declared Mr. Édouard Darche, Chair of the Reddy Memorial Hospital Foundation.

“Our goal is to respect the wishes of our donors as much as possible and we believe this contribution is in line with that goal,” added Darche. “I must also point out that we benefited from the invaluable collaboration and expertise of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux and the Agence de développement de réseaux locaux de services de santé et de services sociaux de Montréal. It is thanks to their good will and advice that, today, we are in a position to make a difference in patients’ lives in such a direct and efficient manner.”

-30-